Mumbai Metro service to resume from October 15 in a phased manner.
The Maharashtra government has allowed Metro trains service to resume in Mumbai and Nagpur from October 15 (Thursday) onwards. The service of metro trains will resume in a graded manner with precautions as part of Maharashtra government's fresh 'Begin Again' guidelines. The government has also stated that stamping of air and train passengers arriving in the state will be discontinued.
As per the latest unlock rules, all domestic passengers landing at Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Aurangabad airports shall undergo the mandatory coronavirus checks, but they will no longer be stamped on the hand with indelible ink. Railway passengers shall not be subjected to Covid checkups or stamping on the hands though they will be required to maintain all Covid protocols. Metro rails, currently serving in Mumbai and Nagpur, shall be permitted operations in a graded manner, proving a relief to commuters.
Welcoming the announcement, a spokesperson for Mumbai Metro One said that it has initiated safety inspection and trial runs, and will resume normal passenger operations from Monday, October 19.
The raging controversy notwithstanding, there is no mention of reopening any place of worship for the present, though public libraries have been cleared for opening again.
While all educational institutions will remain closed, doctorate or research scholars and post-graduates in science/technology streams requiring laboratory/experiments shall be allowed.
In addition to the resumption of metro trains, services of Mumbai AC local train is also set to resume from Thursday (tomorrow) onwards. According to the official release, the Western Railway will run additional 194 special services including the 10 AC trains, from Thursday.
The Maharashtra government has also allowed all state-run and private libraries to reopen from Thursday. However, it will be mandatory for all to follow coronavirus norms to avoid massive spread.
Moreover, outside the containment zones, the government has given a green go ahead for business-to-business exhibitions, weekly markets. In addition to this, shops and markets have been allowed to remain open for two more hours till 9 pm.
(With inputs from IANS)
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